Bradford Man Admits Throwing Explosive Device at Bar Entrance

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Bradford, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal explosives laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Damon Leroy Kayes pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Sean J. McLaughlin.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Kayes damaged Players Downtown bar at 12 Mechanic Street, Bradford, Pennsylvania by throwing a lit Molotov cocktail at the front door of the establishment.

Judge McLaughlin scheduled sentencing for January 14, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of twenty years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the City of Bradford Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Kayes.